Event Videos

May 2, 2008

First Friday Forum: "Higher Education and the World Outside" with Dr. Edward L. Ayers, President, University of Richmond

Don’t we remember when, as college-aged “practical idealists,” we wanted to change the world—but in concrete and immediate ways? That is how students arrive, to a higher education environment that is changing quickly, and becoming more important than ever to the United States. In responding to the changing educational landscape, it has been an interesting challenge to figure out how to connect the various parts of the university to one another, to the city of Richmond and to the world beyond.

April 4, 2008

First Friday Forum: "Strategic Planning for Change: Delivering and Managing Change in the Workplace" with Jennifer Scott, president of Touch Points Public Relations, and Joel Ratekin, president of Ratekin Consulting

New phone system. New computer system. New branding program. New website. New insurance provider. New management. Whatever the change, it affects your workplace and therefore your interaction with customers and clients. Generally, change does not come easily. Your staff and associates have opinions, ideas, and your changes should encourage creativity and collaboration. Forward-thinking managers are realizing that the best workers don¹t need 24/7 physical supervision but do need the sense of being part of the process. If handled correctly, change can energize and motivate your employees, and increase production. Customers and clients entering your establishment can also be affected by the climate of your space and mood of your workers.

March 7, 2008

First Friday Forum: "The Richmond Marketplace: March 2008 to March 2009" with Brian Glass, Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates, Inc.

Where does Richmond stand in retail growth compared to U.S. retail growth? Mr. Glass discussed how the amount of retail space now and soon-to-be available space, will impact the marketplace over the next year. More specifics were unveiled, including comments on rental rates in some of the more dynamic parts of the market.

February 4, 2008

Connect@ Hondos

RMA members and their guests joined us for wine, beer, soft drinks, heavy hors d’oeuvres and excellent company and conversation. These events are the right place to meet fellow members, prospects, and other guests. Thank you Hondos and thank you title sponsor Central Virginia Bank.

February 1, 2008

First Friday Forum: "Employment Law in 2008"

Attorney David E. Nagle, Jackson Lewis LLP, returned to give us a rundown on some of the hot issues in labor and employment law as we begin 2008, including: anticipated legislative actions, revision of the Family and Medical Leave Act, efforts to radically amend laws regarding union organizing, and new rulings from administrative agencies on such diverse topics as coordination of retiree medical plans with Medicare, Social Security "no-match" letters, the new I-9 forms, and the EEOC's new guidance on employee tests and selection procedures.

Excerpts

See the photo gallery >>

January 15, 2008

Virginia Retail Federation: The Birth of an Alliance

On January 15th, 2008 the Retail Merchants Association and the Retail Alliance joined hands at Richmond's historical Jefferson Hotel to form the Virginia Retail Federation, an advocate for local and regional independent retailers.

January 4, 2008

First Friday Forum: "How to Market in a Time When People Ignore Marketing"

Tom Blue, a marketing innovator and frequent speaker on the subjects of online and traditional marketing, presented 3 powerful yet little-known marketing principles that will help your marketing message to be heard by the people you most need to reach.

December 7, 2007

First Friday Forum: "Distinguished Retailer of the Year Award and
Retail Industry Achievement Award"

A very unique First Friday Forum was held at the Byrd Theatre, with special guests and entertainment, networking, a Carytown-flavored breakfast buffet—and recognition of our 2007 Award winners.

November 2, 2007

Economic Forecast Breakfast 2007

The Retail Merchants Association's Economic Forecast Breakfast featured a panel discussion moderated by Gregory J. Gilligan, a deputy business editor and columnist at The Richmond Times-Dispatch. Panelist Alan Gayle, who is responsible for developing and communicating the investment outlook, strategy and asset allocations at Trusco Capital Management, provided an economic perspective about the upcoming holiday season and the first quarter of 2008. Panelist Scott Krugman, vice president of public relations for the National Retail Federation, talked about what retailers can expect and challenges they face this season.

Event Summary
Man on the Street Questions
  1. "How do you think the think the economy's condition will affect your holiday spending?"
  2. "When do you plan to do the bulk of your holiday shopping? Where? Why?"
  3. "What types of gifts are you giving? (Clothes, toys, gift cards, etc.?)"
  4. "How much of your shopping will be in the stores or on the Internet?"
  5. "Are you going to be spending more/less or about the same versus last year?"

October 2, 2007

18th Annual Valor Awards

The purpose of the Retail Merchants Association and the Greater Richmond Chamber Valor Awards is to recognize deserving individual law enforcement officers and firefighters who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. This year's keynote speaker was John Walsh, host of Fox Richmond's America's Most Wanted.

September 7, 2007

First Friday Forum: "Risk Taking for Entrepreneurs"

Libby Brown, co-founder of This End Up Furniture Co. and Fowl Cay Resort, took a fearless look back at the risks and rewards of jumping into the deep end. Her recently published book, Making Waves, is the frank and funny recollections of a seriously successful serial entrepreneur.